TL;DR
- The C20 is the three-quarter-ton C/K; the C10 is its lighter, more popular half-ton sibling.
- The 1967-1972 trucks are the styling favorites; the 1973-1987 square-body is the value workhorse.
- C means two-wheel drive; a K20 is the four-wheel-drive version of the same truck.
- Heavier springs and axles make the C20 a tougher hauler but a stiffer ride than a C10.
Buying a classic Chevrolet C20
The C20 is the heavy-duty member of Chevrolet's C/K pickup family, built to haul and tow where a C10 would squat. It shares its looks and most of its parts with the half-ton, so it rides the same wave of square-body popularity for less money. Check current values on our classic car valuation page and compare with the half-ton Chevrolet C10 before you decide.
Which C20 to buy
The 1960-1966 trucks have the early C/K look and the rare independent front suspension on two-wheel-drive models. The 1967-1972 trucks are the most coveted styling, often called the glamour pickups. The 1973-1987 square-body is the longest-running and most plentiful, which makes it the easiest to find parts for and the smart buy for a working classic.
| Generation | Years | Engines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second (C/K) | 1960-1966 | 235 / 292 six, 283 / 327 V8 | Early styling |
| Third | 1967-1972 | 250 six, 307 / 350 / 396 V8 | Most coveted look |
| Square-body | 1973-1987 | 250 six, 350 / 454 V8, 6.2 diesel | Workhorse value |
What to inspect
A three-quarter-ton truck often lived a working life, so look for hard use under the cosmetics. The bodies rust in the same places as any C/K.
🔧 Inspection Priorities
- Cab corners, rockers, and floor pans. The standard C/K rot spots; check under the floor mats.
- Bed, bed sides, and rear cross sill. Work trucks haul heavy loads; look for dents, rust, and stress cracks.
- Frame, leaf springs, and heavy-duty axles. Confirm the suspension is healthy and not sagging from years of towing.
- Diesel vs gas (1982+). The 6.2 diesel is durable but slow; confirm which engine you are buying.
"A C20 gives you the same square-body looks as a C10 with stouter underpinnings. If you actually tow or haul, the heavier truck is worth the firmer ride."
— Robert